With a record 11,077 free breast cancer screenings, the 10^th edition of the Pink Caravan Ride (PCR) has concluded its 10-day trek across the seven emirates of the UAE, raising awareness on the importance of early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer, its prevention and risk factors.

The announcement was made yesterday (Friday, March 6) on the last leg of its ride in Abu Dhabi in the presence of HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance.

The 10th annual breast cancer awareness initiative of Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), a UAE-based non-profit, had flagged off on February 26 in Sharjah under the slogan ‘Plenty is not enough’, and mapped 150+kms in the seven emirates accompanied by 150 equestrians, 350 doctors and medical professionals, and over 100 volunteers, aiming to deliver 10,000+ free screenings to citizens and residents of the UAE through more than 190 fixed, daily and mobile clinics.

The PCR’s Higher Steering Committee announced that 8316 women and 2761 men received free screenings during the 10-day ride. Of these, Emirati women numbered 731; and among them, 409 were less than 40 years of age while 322 were above 40. The number of resident women screened reached 7585, of which 5488 were less than 40 and 2097 above 40 years.

During the 10-day awareness campaign, a total of 2152 women were referred for mammograms. 345 got their tests done at PCR’s mobile clinics. A total of 639 ultrasound tests were carried out, amongst those 20 ultrasounds were for men.

The 2020 edition of the PCR campaign registered a record 2761 men who stepped into its clinics for free screenings. Of these, 178 were Emiratis that included 109 under the age of 40 and 69 above 40 years. Residents men numbered 2606, including 1863 below the age of 40 and 743, who above 40 years.

The updated statistics were announced during the closing ceremony of PCR on Friday at Al Hudayriat Island, which saw the attendance of Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Pink Caravan Special Envoy, Chairman of Sharjah’s Department of Government Relations; HE Reem BinKaram, Head of Pink Caravan’s Higher Steering Committee; PCR equestrians and volunteers; officials and media representatives.

Addressing the gathering, HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said: “We are here today to proudly celebrate the efforts of PCR in raising awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early and regular check-ups, and the collaboration and partnership with the communities to eradicate the disease.”

“Today we celebrate 10-years of PCR’s continued support for patients. This resonates with the Emirati values of interdependence, compassion and solidarity which we inherited from the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who emphasised that humanitarian and charitable work are indicators of a country’s advancement,” he added.

Sheikh Nahyan noted that the wise leadership of the country are keen on instilling positive thinking, community work, and expanding the reach of medical treatment for all people in the country. “Every action of the leadership is geared towards providing individuals and families with a productive and decent living environment.”

The Minister of Tolerance thanked His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawahar bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Founder and Royal Patron of FOCP, for their noble efforts in spearheading the Pink Caravan.

Thanking the PCR riders, committees, volunteers, individuals and entities supporting the campaign, he said: “Your work in PCR has contributed to making the fight against cancer a community goal. You are instilling in society the message that knowledge exchange, cooperation and community work are fundamental in the development journey of our country.”

Speaking at the event, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi said, “I am honoured and grateful for the trust and the title ‘Special Envoy of the Pink Caravan’ bestowed on me by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, and to be part of PCR family.”

“This title is a continuation of my work as Chairman of DGR. Our relationships with countries around the world are based on ethics and values which also lie at the core of PCR and the entities supporting it. It is also evident in the UAE community that rallies up to champion this cause,” he added.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, BinKaram said: “In its 10^th year, PCR has exceeded its goals for the annual campaign, and provided 11,077 free screenings across the seven emirates. This reflects the high awareness levels amongst our community about breast cancer and validates the prevention and education messages we advocate.”

“It was heartening to see that the number of walk-ins by men into our clinics rose to over 2,761 – a significant increase from previous years, which indicates that our message that breast cancer can affect anyone, male or female, has been penetrating across communities in the UAE.  We will continue our awareness journey until the last breast-cancer-illiterate is convinced that his health is part of the collective wellbeing of others and the community,” she added.

“Under the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the patronage of his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawahar bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Founder and Patron of FOCP, the pink cavalry will continue their mission to take forward our messages to every corner of the country, and help save lives through their annual trek,” she said. BinKaram also thanked the volunteers for making the annual campaign a massive success.

PCR’s 10-day journey

Flagged off by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher, at Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, the pink brigade began their 10-day ride in Sharjah on February 26 as horse riders made their way towards Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, before ending their trek at the Sharjah World Book Capital 2019, covering 11.2 kms.

Day 2 in Sharjah covered 21 kms, setting off from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and concluded at Al Majaz Waterfront where a community event in partnership with Sharjah Children was organised.

The pink equines moved to Dubai on Day 3 of the trek mapping 5 kms from DIFC Gate Avenue to the Dubai Boulevard, headed by HE Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, UAE Minister of Community Development. The following day, the horse riders mapped 21 kms starting at Al Mamzar Beach, passing through Al Mamzar Park and concluding the fourth day of campaigning at City Walk.

On Sunday, March 1, the pink brigade started their 4-day trek in the northern emirates commencing from Fujairah Corniche and passing by Khorfakkan Old Market, before dismounting at Khor Fakkan Hospital in the Sharjah enclave covering 24 kms. In Ras Al Khaimah on Monday, the equines mapped 21 kms starting at the HCT – RAK Women’s College towards Saqr Hospital, before making their way to Manar Mall and concluding their trek at Al Qawasim Corniche.

The seventh day of the ride commenced in the Industrial Area towards Umm Al Quwain Hospital and concluded at the Kite Beach covering 21 kms.

In Ajman, the pink cavalry was given a royal welcome on Wednesday as they embarked on the eighth day of their ride. The Pink Caravan Ambassador Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, received the pink brigade after trekking along the corniche and waved them off as they made their way to City Life Al Khor Mall, before dismounting at Flag Park mapping 17 kms.

The pink brigade completed the final leg of the 10th annual ride in Abu Dhabi mapping 14 kms in the UAE capital. The trek began at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, going towards Abu Dhabi Corniche, before continuing to Marina Mall and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and culminated their 10-day trek at Healthpoint.

PCR partners and sponsors

During the closing ceremony, HE Sheikh Nahyan honoured the main sponsors of PCR 2020: Sharjah Islamic Bank, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Bee’ah, Fast Building Contracting Company L.L.C, Sharjah Cooperative Society, CAVAGO, Choithram, and Sun Silk.

The Minister of Tolerance also honoured its medical sponsors: SHEIN, Healthpoint, University Hospital of Sharjah, Al Sharq Hospital, Burjeel Hospital, Sharjah Education Council, and University of Sharjah.

Logistics sponsors including the police forces of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Sharjah governments were also honoured. Other logistics sponsors also included Fit Fresh L.L.C, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority – Zulal Water, Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, Sharjah Health Authority, Sharjah Children, BIKERS Group – Abu Dhabi Chapter, and volunteers of the Qimmah initiative.

Sheikh Nahyan also honoured the equine sponsors: Aayan Equestrian Club, and NAMA Women Advancement Establishment.

Mobile and fixed clinics

The Pink Caravan set up several fixed clinics across the seven emirates that commenced functioning prior to the start of the ride and offered screenings until 10 pm on March 6. In Sharjah, the clinic was stationed at Al Majaz Waterfront, while in Dubai, the clinic was available from February 7 to 10 at City Walk, and at DFC from February 26 – March 6.

In the northern emirates, the fixed clinics were stationed at the Fujairah Mall, Manar Mall in Ras Al Khaimah, Mall of Umm Al Quwain, and at Al Hamidiya in Ajman. In the capital, the fixed clinic offered its free services at the Galleria.

Throughout the 10-day trek, daily clinics were set up across the UAE offering free screenings to residents and citizens. In Sharjah, they operated in Mega Mall, Sharjah Ladies Club, Sahara Mall, Sharjah Police Directorate and Jubail Market. The mobile clinic was stationed at Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, and at Sharjah Islamic Bank head office on Day 2.

In Dubai, the daily clinics operated from Zabeel Park, Mamzar Park, Dragon Mart, Town Centre Jumeirah and a mobile clinic stationed at Kite Beach on Day 3 of the ride and La Mer the following day.

Daily clinics were set up at Khor Fakkan, Al Sharq and Fujairah hospitals. Another clinic functioned at Lulu Mall in Fujairah, and a mobile clinic was stationed at the Al Siji Primary Health Centre during the fifth day of the trek in the eastern coast. In Ras Al Khaimah, daily clinics operated from Saqr Hospital, RAK Mall, Shaam Hospital, and Emirates Global Aluminium, while a mobile clinic was stationed at Al Hamra Sailing Club.

In Umm Al Quwain, the daily clinics operated in Falaj Al Mualla Health Centre, Al Salama Health Centre, Al Qasimiya University, UAQ Preventive Medicine Department, and Al Khazan Health Centre, while a mobile clinic was stationed at UAQ Hospital on the 7^th day of the ride.

In its last leg in the northern emirates, a clinic was set up at Musherif Health Centre and a mobile clinic at Ajman Corniche.

In Abu Dhabi, clinics operated at Dalma, Khalidia, and Marina Malls, in addition to a clinic at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The mobile clinic offered its services in Al Hudayriat Island on Friday.